JP4044183B2 - Portable device for temperature measurement - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for more accurately measuring the temperature of a surface using infrared measurement techniques, and more particularly, at least one for more clearly defining the periphery of the energy region in which the temperature is measured. It relates to such a method and apparatus using a laser aiming device configured to irradiate a book delimiting laser aiming beam. In general, this definition is achieved by directing the single laser beam around the periphery of the energy region, using three or more fixed laser beams focused on the periphery of the energy region, or on the periphery of the energy region. By using a single controlled laser beam directed to three or more predetermined positions. In another example, a single laser beam can be rotated around the periphery of the energy region using, for example, a slip ring. In another example, a single rotating laser is synchronously pulsed to form a series of intermittent lines that delimit the energy region, concentrating the entire wattage in a smaller region, and the beam brightness. The efficiency of the laser can be increased by increasing the. Furthermore, the demarcation beam can be used with an additional beam directed to and defining a central spot in the energy region or larger central region.
In yet another method and embodiment, at least one laser beam is passed through a diffraction grating or the like, so that it is subdivided into a plurality of subdivided beams of three or more and illuminated on a target for examining the energy region by a radiometer. It is possible to form a spot area pattern. In this specification, the term “plurality” means three or more, for example, 6, 12, and the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Infrared remote temperature measuring devices (commonly referred to as infrared pyrometers or radiometers) have been used for many years to measure the temperature of a surface from a remote location. Their principle of operation is well known. Every surface emits heat in the form of radiant energy at temperatures above absolute zero. This radiant energy is formed by molecular motion that generates electromagnetic waves. In this way, part of the energy in the material is emitted linearly from the material surface.
Many infrared radiometers use optical reflection and / or refraction principles to capture radiant energy from a given surface.
Infrared radiation is focused and analyzed on a detector, surface energy is collected and processed using known techniques, temperature is calculated and displayed on a suitable display.
When measuring the surface temperature using such a radiometer, the measuring instrument is aimed at a target or “spot” in the energy region of the surface from which the measurement is to be obtained. A radiometer receives emitted radiation through an optical system and focuses the radiation onto an infrared sensitive detector; this infrared sensitive detector generates a signal that is processed internally and converted into a temperature measurement for display Is done.
The exact location of the energy region on the surface, along with its size, is crucial to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the measurement results. It will be readily appreciated that the field of view of the optical system in such a radiometer is such that the diameter of the energy region increases in direct proportion to the distance to the target. The general energy region of such a radiometer is defined as the region where 90% of the energy focused on the detector is found. In the past, there was no way to accurately determine the perimeter of the actual energy region other than by approximating it by using a “target distance table” or by actual physical measurements.
Target size and distance are critical to the accuracy of most infrared thermometers. Every infrared measuring instrument has a field of view (FOV), that is, the angle of the field of view that averages all temperatures sensed by the instrument. The field of view is represented by its angle or distance to size ratio (D: S). If D: S = 20: 1 and the distance to the target divided by the target diameter is exactly 20, then the target is sufficient for the field of view of the instrument. A 60: 1 D: S ratio is equal to 1 degree field of view.
Since most infrared thermometers have fixed focus optics, the smallest dimension spot occurs at a specified focal length. In general, if the instrument has fixed focus optics with a D: S ratio of 120: 1 and a focal length of 152.4 cm (60 inches), the minimum spot (resolution) that the instrument can achieve is 152.4 from the instrument. At a distance of cm (60 inches), 152.4 (60) divided by 120, or 1.27 cm (0.5 inches). This is important when the target size is close to the smallest spot that the measuring instrument can measure.
However, even if only the center position of the energy region is accurately specified using the laser, the user cannot define the range of the actual energy region from which the measured value is obtained. In that case, it often results in inaccurate measurements. For example, if the area where the radiation is emitted is smaller than the target diameter limit (too far from the target or too small), an inaccurate measurement will occur.
One method used to determine the distance to the target is to use an infrared distance detector, a Doppler effect distance detector, or a segmented image detector similar to that used in photography. However, to obtain any degree of certainty about the actual area of the surface to be measured, the exact size of the energy area must be known. This is especially true if the energy region is too small or if the shape of the surface it contains is irregular. If the surface does not fill the entire energy range, the measured value will be low and an error will occur.
Similarly, if the shape of the surface is irregular, some of the target will be out of the actual measured energy region, resulting in an error in the measured value.
Therefore, using a single laser beam only at the apparent center of the energy region does not guarantee complete accuracy because the radiometer user does not clearly recognize the boundaries of the energy region being measured. .
As will be appreciated, none of the prior art recognizes this inherent problem and does not offer a solution to the problems that result.
[0003]
In the prior art, proposals have been made to display the energy area of the target surface in a way that is visible at the target.
A first type of such display uses multispectral light, for example in Japanese Patent Publication No. 57-22521, which teaches the use of an incandescent light source to demarcate the energy region at the target. It is specified. The related Japanese Patent Publication No. 62-12848 also presents a similar use of multispectral light to demarcate energy domains at the target.
Furthermore, Everest in US Pat. No. 4,494,881 suggests using a multi-spectral light source with a beam splitter device that allows the received infrared beam and multi-spectral light to use the same optical device. Everest teaches the use of a visible light source such as an incandescent lamp or strobe light that irradiates the target surface whose temperature is to be measured. This gives additional energy to the same energy region from which the temperature measurement is obtained, reducing accuracy. When a beam splitter is used in Everest, the beam splitter acts as an emitter of infrared energy by an incandescent light beam. When a Fresnel lens is used at Everest, light tends to increase the temperature of the Fresnel lens, which is reflected in the infrared detector.
This display method uses incoherent multispectral light, and in particular has the disadvantage that the multispectral light itself becomes a thermal factor and the measured value by the energy detection means of this apparatus becomes inaccurate.
Laser is light amplification by radiation stimulated emission (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation). This device was invented in 1960 to produce a powerful light beam with high coherence. There, the atoms in the material emit in the same phase. Laser light is used for holography. The light beam is coherent when all component waves are in phase. The laser emits coherent light, but normal electric incandescent light in which atoms vibrate independently is incoherent.
Incandescent light is essentially incoherent, so that the incandescent light inside the infrared region irradiated in parallel and very close to the border of the invisible infrared region is reflected as thermal energy, so simply use an incandescent light source as a laser. It is impossible to substitute with. If the incandescent light is clearly moved away from the infrared region, the target region cannot be accurately defined.
The second type of energy region display device uses coherent laser light, for example, as disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,315,150 to DERRINGER, where the focal point, or center, of the energy region is specified. Although targeted infrared thermometers where lasers are used in the deringer, there is no suggestion in Dellinger that the boundary of the energy region is defined by more than two laser beams.
In US Pat. No. 5,085,525, BARTOSIAK ET AL teaches the use of a laser beam to provide a continuous or intermittent line across the target area to be investigated, but at the boundary of the target area. Neither the definition nor the display of the center point or center area of the target area is suggested.
Related US Pat. Nos. 5,368,392 and 5,524,984 by the inventor disclose prior art on laser aiming of the present invention.
Related German patent publications include:
DE-38 03 464;
DE-36 07 679; (for laser aiming device)
DE-32 13 955; (for beam splitters and dual laser beams for displaying the position and diameter of the energy region).
All the above prior art is incorporated herein by reference.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Against the above background, the first object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for measuring the temperature of a surface using infrared technology.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a device that provides a more accurate measurement of surface temperature than that provided using conventionally used techniques.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a device that allows the user to visually recognize the location, size and temperature of the energy region on the surface to be measured.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such an apparatus that uses a thermal detector and a laser beam to clearly demarcate the perimeter boundaries in the energy region of the surface.
Another object of the present invention is to use at least one laser beam that is subdivided by passing through a diffraction grating to form a plurality of three or more subdivided beams that form a pattern for the purpose of examining the energy region. It is to provide a device capable of performing the above.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The portable device for temperature measurement in the present invention is a portable device for temperature measurement comprising a temperature-sensitive infrared radiometer 1400 and a laser aiming device 1401, the radiometer 1400 is a remote temperature measurement Has a viewing angle corresponding to the range of the infrared energy region for surface temperature measurement on the surface 1407 of the object, and directs the viewing angle to the remote infrared emitting surface 1407 together with the laser aiming device 1401 In the state, in the portable device for temperature measurement arranged in the vicinity of the single beam laser generator 1402 in the laser aiming device 1401
The laser sighting device 1401 includes a single beam laser generator 1402, which generates a laser beam 1403 in the direction of the surface 1407 to be measured remotely, and has a single diffraction grating. 1405 is arranged on a line connecting the generator 1402 and the surface 1407 of the remote temperature measurement target, and the diffraction grating 1405 receives the laser beam 1403 from the generator 1402 when the laser beam 1403 is incident thereon. A plurality of subdivided laser beams 1403a are generated on the surface 1407 at the same time in a state where a plurality of subdivided laser beams 1403a are symmetrically diffused around an axis 1406 on the extension line of the beam 1403. The radiometer 140 on the surface 1407 of the remote temperature measurement object is made to reach the temperature measurement surface 1407 at the same time so that a visible pattern having one circumferential shape is formed by the light spot 1403b. The boundary of the range of the invisible energy region existing within the viewing angle of 0 is displayed as a circumferential visible pattern with the plurality of light spots 1403b, and the directivity direction of the radiometer 1400 The axis 1406 in the plurality of subdivided laser beams 1403a is such that the boundary of the invisible energy region range and the circumferential visible pattern can be adjusted.
[0006]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Prior art radiometers have long used laser aiming devices and azimuth measuring devices to assist in the proper aiming and alignment of the device. FIG. 1 shows an azimuth measuring device used for the operation of a portable radiometer according to the prior art. Such a radiometer, generally designated by reference numeral 10, includes a laser sight 12 that irradiates a laser beam 14 to a spot or target 18 on a surface 20 for measuring temperature. The spot 18 is located at the center of the energy region “E” measured by the radiometer 10. The radiometer 10 includes a detector 16, which is typically used for the conversion, calculation and display of the temperature of the surface 20 which is indirectly calculated from the energy radiated from the surface in the energy region E. Are connected to internal circuits and display means (not shown). Such energy is emitted linearly from the surface 20 in all directions and is captured by the detector 16 of the radiometer 10. By using the principle of infrared radiation, the radiometer can capture and measure infrared energy in the energy region E and display its surface temperature.
The actual size and shape of the energy region E is determined by the radiometer's optics and the distance between the radiometer and the target. Each radiometer has a clear field of view, or “field of view”, usually specified in the instrument specifications. If the field of view is known together with the distance to the target, the size of the energy region E is determined in advance. Obviously, the more the radiometer is held away from the target (ie the greater the distance), the larger the apparent energy region E.
This can be expressed by “distance to spot size ratio”. For example, if the "distance to spot size ratio" is 40: 1, the diameter of the energy region periphery is 2.54 cm (1 inch) at a distance of 101.6 cm (40 inches), and energy is 50.8 cm (20 inches). The diameter of the region will be 1.27 cm (1/2 inch). Pyrometer manufacturers typically provide a field of view to determine the energy range at a particular distance.
However, as can be easily understood, such a laser aiming device can only specify the center of the energy region to be measured, and it must specify the outer edge of the actual energy region from which the measurement is taken, which is different from the diameter. I can't. As the position of the radiometer 10 is further from the surface, the apparent energy region E becomes larger. Thus, depending on the size and shape of the surface 20, the actual energy region E may include irregularly shaped portions of the surface 20 or even extend beyond the edges of the surface. Of course, in such an example, the temperature measurement results will be inaccurate. If the outer edge of such an energy region E is not known, the user of the radiometer 10 does not know such a fact, and the measurement result is inaccurate.
The present invention provides a means for visually defining the energy region E so that the actual energy region being measured by the user of the radiometer 10 can be viewed and applied to the surface being measured. In contrast, the position of the energy region can be determined. In various embodiments of the invention, a precise laser spot or line is projected onto the surface to be measured, and such spot or line is positioned to surround the periphery of the energy region E.
If the periphery of the energy region E can be identified on the target by moving the laser beam on the path surrounding the energy region E, the energy region being measured is completely present on the surface to be measured. And the user can quickly and accurately determine whether the surface is of a type that gives more accurate measurements than others.
The periphery of the energy region E is determined as a function of the “field of view” specified in the specification of a particular radiometer and the distance between the radiometer and the target. The size and shape of the energy region can be easily determined using a general mathematical formula. After the determination, the laser beam is irradiated to the periphery of the energy region E by the method and apparatus described below. One simple "sighting" method is to irradiate the laser beam at the same angle as the field of view of the radiometer that diverges from the same axis, or mechanically adjust the angle of the laser beam according to a "distance to spot size ratio" calculation. To be adjusted. In either case, the periphery of the energy region E is clearly defined by the laser beam.
[0007]
FIG. 2C shows a technique for demarcating the energy region on the surface on which the temperature is measured, in which the laser beam 14 directed to the mirror surface 30 located in front of the laser beam 14 is lasered. The aiming device 12 fires. The mirror 30 is rotated using the power means 32, thereby rotating the beam in a circle to define an energy region E on the surface to be measured. Alternatively, the mirror 30 can be rotated by vibration means or by application of a magnetic field (not shown). The mirror 30 should be rotated with a refraction angle corresponding to 90% of the energy region E so that the laser beam 14 rotates around the periphery of the energy region E so that the user of the radiometer 10 can see the periphery. It becomes possible to do.
It should be understood that the laser aiming device 12 may be integral with the radiometer 10 or may be a separate device that can be mounted on or near the radiometer 10.
Alternatively, a prism can be used in place of the mirror 30 at a predetermined angle, and this prism can act as a reflecting mirror, thereby directing the laser beam to the periphery of the energy region.
2A and 2B show a method for demarcating the boundary of the energy region E on the surface to be measured using a laser beam. It is important that the rotation of the beam 14 be carefully controlled to occur at a visually traceable speed. Thereby, the maximum beam intensity is achieved. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the laser beam rotates around the energy region E through a series of steps for at least 1/100 second before the laser beam moves to the next position. Stay in each step. This is realized by providing a plurality of steps E-1, E-2, etc. around the energy region E. The laser beam 14 stops at each step for a predetermined period of time so that the beam can be viewed before moving to the next step.
[0008]
FIG. 3 shows a technique for demarcating the energy region on the surface on which the temperature is measured, where the energy is obtained by mechanically turning the laser 112 about the fulcrum 120 using the power means 132. The laser 112 itself is rotated or displaced to draw a circle or other closed figure defining region E. Alternatively, the laser 112 can be rotated by vibration means (not shown) or by applying a magnetic field (not shown). However, the rotation of the laser 112 should be performed with a refraction angle corresponding to 90% of the energy region E so that the laser beam 114 rotates around the periphery of the energy region E so that the user of the radiometer 10 can see the periphery. It becomes possible to do.
[0009]
In FIG. 4, by applying the magnetic field 225, the laser 212 is rotated around the fulcrum 220, and the laser beam 214 is irradiated on the periphery of the 90% energy region E, so that the user of the radiometer 10 can visually recognize the beam. It is like that. In such an embodiment, means (not shown) for changing the magnetic field 225 is arranged to rotate the laser corresponding to the 90% energy region.
[0010]
In FIG. 5, laser 312 includes at least two components 312A and 312B that form at least two independent laser beams 314A and 314B around detector 316. These at least two independent beams 314 A and 314 B are directed to the periphery of the energy region E rather than the center of the energy region E of the measurement surface 320. The use of more than two such laser beams makes it possible to clearly identify the entire important energy region E, not just the center of the E region. If desired, a separate laser can be used, or a single laser beam can be split using a laser splitting device. A plurality of beams may be formed using a diffraction device such as a grating or a holographic component. Two or more lasers may be configured to irradiate laser beams on different sides of the energy region.
[0011]
FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a technique for demarcating the energy region on the surface on which the temperature is measured, where the laser 412 is mechanically swiveled to circle around the detector 416. Then, an energy region E is defined by irradiating a laser beam 414 on a circular path of a surface (not shown). The laser 412 is rotatably attached to a pivot bearing 420 provided on the connecting arm 421. The arm 421 is attached to a pivot bearing 424 that is rotated by a motor 422. In this way, the laser beam 414 emitted from the laser 412 rotates around the energy region E of the surface whose temperature is being measured to delimit its boundary.
[0012]
This rotation of the laser beam may be performed using a beam splitter or optical fiber technology as shown in FIG. 7, where the laser beam is irradiated through the optical fiber means 501. As such, the beam extends from the laser source in a fan shape to surround and define the energy region E. By using a sufficient number of fiber optics, the perimeter boundary of the target region E can be defined by a ring of light or a ring formed of dots. This can be achieved because the pick-up pattern is circular with only two fibers arranged 180 degrees apart. Further, the fiber optic means may act to direct the laser beam to a central spot in the energy region or a larger central region.
[0013]
FIG. 8 shows still another means for rotating the laser beam 614 emitted from the laser 612. In this method, the laser beam 614 is directed to a rotating plane mirror 630 where it is reflected toward a plated plastic cone mirror 631. This reflected beam irradiates the surface and defines the periphery of the energy region E. The plane mirror 630 is driven by a motor 622. In this way, the laser beam 614 rotates around the periphery of the energy region E of the surface to be measured. These mirrors are positioned at an angle such that laser irradiation is performed at the same angle as the pick-up angle of the infrared detector.
[0014]
Of course, it will be understood that shapes other than the circles shown in FIGS. FIGS. 9A to 9C show alternative squares (FIG. 9A), rectangles (FIG. 9B), and triangles (FIG. 9B) as light patterns that can be realized using the means of the present invention. C)). A closed shape is preferred. This shape may include more than two points or spots.
[0015]
FIG. 10 illustrates a method of defining an energy region that can achieve a circular shape without rotating the laser beam, which includes a plurality of fixed lights positioned to project many spots. It is characterized by using a fiber. In this figure, a fixed laser 712 emits a beam 713 that is split into a plurality of beams 714 by a bundle of optical fibers 715 and projects a pattern 716 defining an energy region E onto the surface. If necessary, special shapes may be used. Such a pattern is also formed by the diffraction means.
Referring to FIG. 10, the means for irradiating a plurality of laser beams (bundle 715) also includes an optical fiber configured to irradiate the laser beam in the axial direction, eg, a single surface on the surface to be measured. By forming a central spot or a larger central region, the plurality of laser beams manifest and define both the center and the periphery of the energy region.
[0016]
FIGS. 11 and 12 show yet another embodiment of a technique for demarcating the energy region on the surface to measure temperature, where the laser is configured to rotate by the use of slip rings and counterweights. ing. For example, FIG. 11 shows such a laser aiming device 1000. The laser aiming device 1000 can be arranged as an integrated device combined with an infrared detector (not shown), or can be made independent as an aiming device that is detachable from the infrared detector.
A laser aiming apparatus 1000 in FIG. 11 includes a laser 1012 that is supplied with power from a power source 1018 and irradiates a target with a laser beam 1014. The laser 1012 is attached so as to be rotatable about a fulcrum 1020. A motor 1021 is provided to supply power to the aiming device and rotate the laser 1012. An external switch (not shown) may be provided to turn on / off the rotation of the motor 1021 and the laser 1012. Separately, upper and lower screw-type adjusters 1013 and 1011 are provided to control the position of the laser 1012 and thus the direction of the more important laser beam 1014. The upper screw type adjusting device 1013 is configured to be used when not rotating, and the lower screw type adjusting device 1011 is used while the laser 1012 is rotating.
Laser 1012 is powered by a power source 1018. A slip ring 1016 is provided to facilitate the rotation of the laser 1012. Above and below the laser 1012, upper and lower counterweights 1015A and 1015B are disposed, respectively, and a return spring 1019 is also disposed.
A laser 1012 of the aiming device 1000 in FIG. 11 is configured to rotate around a fulcrum 1020 when driven by a motor 1021. Thus, the laser 1012 can irradiate the laser beam 1014 in a circular pattern with respect to a target (not shown). During rotation, centrifugal force acts on the counterweights 1015A and 1015B to tilt the laser 1012. The inclination angle can be controlled by screw type adjusting devices 1013 and 1011. This angle is adjusted to correspond to the infrared detector field of the infrared detector in which the aiming device is used. The laser beam 1014 then moves over the periphery of the target area of an infrared detector (not shown). When the motor 1021 is turned off, the return spring 1019 positions the laser 1012 in the center. In this way, the laser beam is positioned at the center of the target area. As a result, the correction function for the user is performed, and the aiming of the laser aiming device is performed appropriately.
[0017]
A variation of the laser aiming device of FIG. 11 is shown in FIG. Laser aiming device 1100 is shown with an infrared detector 1162 having an infrared field of view 1161. The laser aiming device 1100 includes a laser 1112 that emits a laser beam 1114. The laser 1112 is rotatably mounted on the fulcrum 1120. A counterweight 1115 is disposed on the opposite side of the laser 1112 with respect to the fulcrum 1120. The laser 1112 is supplied with electric power from a power source 1118 and is rotated by a motor 1121. A slip ring 1116 is provided to facilitate the rotation of the laser 1112.
The laser aiming device 1100 of FIG. 12 is configured to operate in the same manner as the aiming device 1000 of FIG. As the laser 1112 rotates about the fulcrum 1120, a laser beam 1114 is directed around the periphery of the infrared field 1161 in the infrared detector 1162 to a target (not shown).
[0018]
FIG. 13 shows yet another embodiment of a technique for demarcating the energy region on the surface for measuring temperature. The laser aiming device 1200 is provided as a stand-alone device that is detachable from a standard infrared detector or radiometer. The aiming device 1200 includes a laser 1212 housed in the housing 1201 of the aiming device 1200. The laser 1212 is configured to irradiate a target (not shown) with a laser beam 1214. The laser 1212 is powered by a power source (not shown). A motor 1221 is coupled to the laser 1212 via a rotating assembly 1227 to rotate the laser within the housing 1201. A slider 1226 is provided to facilitate rotation of the laser 1212 within the housing.
An adjustment screw 1217 is provided to control the position of the laser 1212 and thus the direction of the laser beam 1214. A swivel ball 1222 fitted into a swivel ball seat 1220 is disposed around the outer end of the laser 1212. A spring washer 1218 is disposed in the vicinity of the swivel ball 1222.
The laser aiming device 1200 operates in substantially the same manner as the aiming device shown in FIGS. 11 and 12; that is, a single laser 1212 is rotated by a motor 1221 to direct the irradiated laser beam around the periphery of the infrared field. Rotate.
[0019]
FIGS. 14 to 16 show yet another laser aiming device according to the technique of demarcating the energy region on the surface for measuring the temperature shown with the radiometer. In the embodiment of FIGS. 14-16, a conventional radiometer 1300 is used. The radiometer includes a spectacle sight 1305 with a lens 1306 and mounted on top. The spectacle sight 1305 allows the user to point the radiometer 1300 at the target.
At least two laser aiming devices 1312 are disposed on both sides of the radiometer 1300. The apparatus 1312 includes a pair of lasers 1314 disposed within a laser aiming device 1312 located approximately 180 degrees apart on either side of the radiometer, these lasers being in the energy region measured by the radiometer. A pair of laser beams (not shown) are irradiated to the targets on both sides. The laser beam is thus used to define the outer edge of the energy region being measured by radiometer 1300.
[0020]
In another embodiment, the lasers shown in FIGS. 11 to 16 may be synchronized and pulsed. FIG. 17 shows a series of interrupted lines that define the boundaries of the energy region in such an embodiment. The intermittent use of the laser in this embodiment increases the efficiency of the laser, thereby concentrating the overall wattage of the laser in a smaller area and increasing the beam brightness.
[0021]
18 and 19 show an embodiment of a laser aiming device according to the present invention together with a radiometer. In this embodiment, a normal radiometer 1400 is used. The laser aiming device generally designated by reference numeral 1401 includes a single beam laser generator 1402 that generates a laser beam 1403. On the optical axis of the laser beam 1403 and in front of the laser generator 1402, a support 1404 that houses a beam splitter, holographic components, or one diffraction grating 1405 is disposed. In this example, when one diffraction grating 1405 is selected and a laser beam 1403 is incident as shown in the drawing, a total of 12 subdivided beams 1403a that diverge symmetrically with respect to the axis 1406 are converted into a single incident beam. 1403 is formed. Referring to FIG. 19, there is shown a pattern of laser light spots 1403b formed at different locations separated from each other, with a sub-beam 1403a hitting a target 1407 whose temperature is to be examined. Due to the nature of the diffraction grating 1405, the spots 1403b are arranged at equal intervals B on a circle centered on the optical axis of the laser beam 1403, and the overall spread of the subdivided beam 1403a is that of the device from the target 1407. The width A depends on the axial distance. A radiometer 1400 is disposed in the vicinity of and on the side of the support 1404, and its visual axis is parallel to the axis 1406 of the generated laser beam, but if necessary, it is not at the center of the entire dot 1403b but at the target. Radiometer 1400 can also be adjustable relative to axis 1406 so that a selected area is measured.
[0022]
The apparatus according to any of FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13 and 18 may further comprise means for irradiating the laser beam in an axial direction so as to strike the surface area to be measured. For example, in FIG. 18, the diffraction grating 1405 is selected to form not only the subdivided beam 1403a but also the central subdivided beam along the axis 1406.
[0023]
Referring to FIG. 20, a radiometer 1400 is positioned on the central axis in the vertical direction of the laser generator 1401 and at an appropriate distance downstream from the diffraction grating inside the plurality of laser beams, thereby forming a spot pattern. A variant is shown schematically so as not to interfere with the transmission of the subdivided beam.
In one practical configuration, a laser beam generator 1401, a diffraction grating support 1404, and a radiometer are suitably mounted on a support structure (not shown) to provide a portable device that is directed to a selected measurement area. Retained. Thus, a method for identifying a range of a radiation region on a region for measuring temperature is a sighting device for use with the radiometer, comprising a sighting device including means for generating a laser beam. A step of splitting the laser beam through a diffraction grating means into a plurality of three or more components, directing the beam component to the region, and a plurality of illuminations at locations where the beam component hits the region. Forming a region and determining a temperature of the region by the radiometer. Preferably, the diffraction grating means subdivides the laser beam into a plurality of three or more beams forming an illuminated region spaced apart on a circle or other closed geometric figure of the region. Is something.
[0024]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the diffraction grating 1405 is a solid of a single structure and is stable against impact in the mounted state. Therefore, when used in the portable device of the present invention, the diffraction grating 1405 can be configured at low cost. In addition, even if there is vibration when it is carried, there is no error, and there is an effect that it can be used with a long life as an accurate device.
According to the configuration of the present invention, when recognizing a circular visible pattern, the plurality of light spots 1403b are simultaneously displayed as a circumferential visible pattern, so that the user does not flicker the visible pattern on the circumference. There is an effect that can be visually recognized as a clear circle.
Further, when measuring the temperature at the remote surface 1407, according to the configuration of the present invention, the user can visually observe the range of the invisible infrared energy region as a circular visible pattern. There is an effect that the temperature within the range can be measured accurately.
According to the configuration of the present invention, when measuring the temperature at the remote surface 1407, the portable device for temperature measurement is always invisible regardless of whether it is positioned far from the surface 1407 or close to it. Since the range of the infrared energy region coincides with the circular visible pattern, the user can always accurately measure the temperature in the invisible infrared energy region.
Although the invention has been described with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Let ’s go.
The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and the accompanying drawings.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a prior art radiometer using a laser aiming device.
FIGS. 2A and 2B show a method of defining an energy region by moving a laser beam stepwise. FIG. (C) is a schematic illustration of an embodiment characterized in that the laser beam draws the boundary of the target area using a mirror.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment in which a laser is swung around a fulcrum using mechanical power means.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment in which the target region is clearly indicated by changing the direction of the laser according to the magnetic field.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment in which many independent laser beams are irradiated to define the energy region being measured.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment for mechanically turning a laser.
FIG. 7 schematically shows an arrangement of fiber optics for forming a pattern of a target area by a laser beam.
FIG. 8 is a detailed cross-sectional view of an embodiment in which a laser is mechanically swiveled around a detector.
FIGS. 9A to 9C show alternative shapes for boundaries that can be projected using the apparatus of the present invention. FIGS.
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an example of using an optical fiber to split a laser into a plurality of laser beams that define an energy region.
FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of a laser aiming device that can be used in combination with a radiometer, in which a laser is rotated using a slip ring.
12 is a side view showing a modified example of the laser aiming device of FIG. 11 in which the aiming device is attached to an infrared detector.
FIG. 13 is a side view showing still another modified example of the laser aiming device.
FIG. 14 is a side view of an embodiment in which the laser aiming device uses laser beams disposed on both sides of the infrared detector.
FIG. 15 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 14;
16 is a plan view of the embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG.
FIG. 17 shows an interrupted line formed by a synchronously pulsed laser.
FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention characterized in that the laser aiming device uses a single laser beam that is split and diverges into a plurality of independent beams by a diffraction grating.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a dot pattern of laser light formed on a target area when an independent beam generated by subdividing the single laser beam hits it.
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a modified example in which the radiometer is arranged on the optical axis of the laser beam.

Claims (1)

Temperature sensitive infrared radiometer (1400),
A portable device for temperature measurement comprising a laser aiming device (1401),
The radiometer (1400) has a field of view angle corresponding to the range of the infrared energy region for surface temperature measurement on the surface (1407) of the remote temperature measurement object, and
Along with the laser sighting device (1401), the laser sighting device (1401) is positioned in the vicinity of the single beam laser generator (1402) with the viewing angle directed to the remote infrared emitting surface (1407). In a portable device for measuring temperature,
The laser sighting device (1401) includes a single beam laser generator (1402),
This single beam laser generator (1402) generates a laser beam (1403) in the direction of the surface (1407) of the remote temperature measurement object,
One diffraction grating (1405) is arranged on a line connecting the generator (1402) and the surface (1407) of a remote temperature measurement object,
When one laser beam (1403) from the generator (1402) is incident on the diffraction grating (1405), the diffraction grating (1405) is divided into a plurality of segments around an axis (1406) on an extension line of the laser beam (1403). The laser beam (1403a) is generated in a symmetrical manner, and the plurality of subdivided laser beams (1403a) are simultaneously formed on the surface (1407) by a plurality of light spots (1403b). The temperature measurement surface (1407) is made to reach at the same time so that a visible visible pattern is formed,
The boundary of the invisible energy region existing within the angle of view of the radiometer (1400) on the surface (1407) of the remote temperature measurement object,
Let it be expressed as a circumferential visible pattern with the multiple light spots (1403b),
The directivity direction of the radiometer (1400) and the axis (1406) of the plurality of subdivided laser beams (1403a) are defined by the boundary of the invisible energy range and the circumferential visible pattern. A portable device for temperature measurement, characterized by being adjustable to accommodate.

Images